Saturday, December 31, 2011

Thoughts on 2011, Autism, Chronic Illness, and Challenges

I cannot say I am sad to see 2011 go. It was a year of great challenges for us. However, God has renewed my vision for those in the midst of suffering. I am even more on fire to encourage those who are hurting or struggling in life. I can truly say God is enough. He has sustained us in this very rough year. He has given us peace in all things. We are truly grateful and stronger for the trials and struggles we have sustained.

Last Christmas we started the journey of discovery that would turn out to be our daughter having Asperger's syndrome which is a type of autism. She is amazingly gifted but we were challenged by many things with her. When we finally understood why she was being challenged we were able to start researching and move forward.

Also, this year my Lyme disease that has been under control for several years came roaring forward again. I found out that I will probably have this for life but there are things we can do to keep it under control. I am trusting God for His healing in it though. Whether He takes it fully away or for a time or never I do trust. He is teaching me to be strong in weakness. It is in my weakness that He is stronger in me. I am learning to be content with that.

Challenges consist of our entire family adjusting to these conditions. It is difficult to live in a family where persistent struggle is the way of life. We have dealt with grieving the loss of dreams, normalcy, control, and anger. We are learning to love one another well. We are being schooled in compassion and long suffering. We are growing closer together through it.
We can say that though it was a year marked with much struggle, God has truly been enough and our saving grace to endure it all and learn to live fully the adventure of it all. We can do all things through Him. Truly we can. So welcome 2012. We look forward to the adventure. Hopefully marked with more joy and hope.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.~ Jeremiah 29:11

1 comment:

Stopping by after having been "away" for awhile, dealing with trials and challenges of my own. What would we do without Jesus?! Bless you and your family, and may His grace, joy, and peace abound to you all in 2012!